HC Studio Crabapple vs. TTC Flaming Purple

Overview

When comparing the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Flaming Purple mechanical keyboard switches, one can see a clear distinction in their characteristics. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, offers a frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each key press. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple by TTC stands out for its resonant character and bassy undertone, adding an engaging auditory flair to each keystroke. With a feathery nature and a low bottom-out force of just 47g, the Flaming Purple provides swift and effortless typing, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. Ultimately, while these general pointers can help in choosing a switch, diving deeper into their specific qualities will be key in deciding the best switch for individual preferences.

By the numbers

HC Studio Crabapple Linear

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$5.90

$4.70 per 10

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the TTC Flaming Purple, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles based on their POM and polycarbonate top housings, respectively. The POM top housing of the Crabapple produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This difference in sound profile showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing and the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing demonstrate another distinction in sound output. The POM bottom housing of the Crabapple also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple leads to a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the harder POM material. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can influence the overall tactile feedback of a keyboard switch.

Considering the impact of both top and bottom housing materials on the sound profile of a switch, it is evident that the Crabapple and Flaming Purple offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the POM housing of the Crabapple creates a more muted and deep sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Flaming Purple produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple yields a deeper sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple results in a fuller sound. These differences showcase how the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical keyboard switches.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the lighter weight category. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be significant enough to make a noticeable distinction in typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, both switches would provide a comfortable typing experience for longer periods of time. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, they may find the Flaming Purple switch slightly heavier in comparison to the Crabapple switch. In summary, both switches offer similar light actuation and bottom out forces, providing a smooth typing experience for users who prefer a lighter keypress.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is the same as the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, both measuring at 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key fitted with either of these switches, users will experience a similar amount of travel distance. As a result, the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by both switches should be nearly identical. Despite having different names and designs, the Crabapple and Flaming Purple switches offer a consistent travel distance, allowing users to enjoy a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued and mild sound signature, providing a quiet and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch presents a bassier and resonant sound profile, adding a touch of richness and depth to each keystroke. While the Crabapple delivers a more subtle auditory feedback, the Flaming Purple offers a more engaging and poppy undertone, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced sound during typing sessions.

When it comes to feel, the Crabapple linear switch is characterized by its frictionless and mild typing experience, with a subtle texture felt during each key press. On the contrary, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is known for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a silky smooth typing experience. The Crabapple offers a balanced and approachable typing feel, while the Flaming Purple focuses on effortless and comfortable typing, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.

In conclusion, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch excels in providing a quiet and frictionless typing experience with a mild and gentle feel. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its resonant and bassier sound profile, along with its feathery and silky smooth typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, users can expect a pleasant and satisfying typing experience with either switch, achieving similar results in terms of quality and performance.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. If you prioritize a frictionless and mild typing journey with a subtle texture and a subdued sound signature, the Crabapple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery and easy-to-press switch with a touch of poppy undertones and a bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple could be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer light bottom-out forces and unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your own typing preferences and priorities when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Crabapple and Flaming Purple switches will depend on what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

HC Studio Crabapple Linear

$5.90

$4.70 per 10

Learn more

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn more